According to recent reports from Diario Sport, Joan Laporta and Mateu Alemany have told the club fans that Barcelona’s stars Miralem Pjanic and Samuel Umtiti are to leave the club this summer.
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The Catalan media were lucky to have both Laporta and Alemany at the press conference where Memphis Depay was formally presented as the club’s newest player. The media however focused not on Depay’s arrival, but rather the prospective sale of a few of the club’s fringe players.
When asked about Pjanic and Umtiti, they responded candidly and transparently.
Laporta was quoted as saying,
"“Above all, we respect our players. We do this by talking to them honestly, clearly and directly. They are two players who had little prominence last season but who have worked very well this pre-season.”Source Football Espana"
Pjanic and Umtiti to leave Barcelona this summer?
Echoing Laporta, Alemany said,
"“All Barcelona players know their own situation. These two are prestigious and know the coach’s opinion and the possibilities they could have this season. With due respect, and with their agents, we’re running the rule over possibilities for letting them go. They’re the first ones interested because they want to be guaranteed to play wherever they go.”"
Miralem Pjanic joined Barca only last summer in an exchange deal with Juventus, which the Brazilian midfielder Arthur go to the Italian Outfit. But Pjanic struggled to find his feet at the Camp Nou and given his age, has become the easy scapegoat for Barcelona as they look to raise money by selling a few fringe players. Arsenal and Tottenham are among the club that are said to be interested in the midfielder.
Samuel Umtiti joined the club back in the summer of 2016 after impressing in Euros. He was a fan favorite in his first few seasons at the club, but with regular injuries sidelining him, he does not seem to be part of Koeman’s plans for next season. He now needs a fresh start to rejuvenate his career. Manchester United are among the clubs interested in the French center-back.
Do you think selling these two players is a good deal for FC Barcelona?